Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• CMV is a common, usually harmless, lifelong virus and transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body fluids (urine, saliva, blood, breast milk, and semen).
• CMV can cause cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever and fatigue, but most often does not cause any symptoms in healthy people.
• Up to 70% of children under 3 years old will catch CMV at daycare or school and remain contagious for several months even though they may not have any symptoms.
• If a pregnant person catches CMV and it is passed to the growing baby, it is called congenital CMV.
• People can catch different strains of CMV. There is no such thing as being immune to CMV.

• One in every 150 babies in the US are born with congenital CMV.
• One in five babies born with congenital CMV will have long-term disabilities and health problems.
• Congenital CMV can cause hearing loss, vision loss, cerebral palsy, seizures, learning and cognitive problems.

The best way to protect your baby from congenital CMV is to protect yourself.

^{Infographic courtesy of NationalCMV.org}

Avoid contact with saliva and urine of young children. You can do this by:

1. Washing your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after:
   • Changing diapers
   • Feeding a young child
   • Wiping a young child’s nose or mouth
   • Handling children’s toys
2. Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils, or a toothbrush with a child.
3. Do not put a child’s pacifier in your mouth.
4. Avoid contact with a child’s saliva when kissing or snuggling.
5. Clean toys, countertops, and other surfaces that come into contact with children’s urine or saliva.
6. Children should be told not to share their cups and utensils. 
7. Pregnant women who work with young children, such as daycare, nannies, healthcare works or therapy providers, should take extra steps to prevent infection such as wearing gloves when changing diapers.

• Healthcare providers can order tests to identify CMV infection. Testing for congenital CMV infection in babies is different than testing for CMV in adults.
• Congenital CMV testing for a baby is simple and painless. It is done using either a urine or saliva sample.
• This testing must be done before the baby is 21 days old to confirm if the baby has congenital CMV.
• Ask your healthcare provider if your baby should be tested for congenital CMV. Get testing as soon as you are told it is needed.
• Providers can read more about Laboratory Testing for CMV and Congenital CMV from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection.

CMV information is provided for families and professionals about Signs and symptoms, Who is at risk, How it spreads, Prevention, Testing and diagnosis, and Treatment and recovery.

The National CMV Foundation – Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

The National CMV Foundation has a vision to eliminate congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the United States for the next generation. It’s mission is to prevent pregnancy loss, childhood death, and disability due to congenital CMV. They provide valuable resources and support for families and professionals.

Educational Downloads for families and professionals are available from the National CMV Foundation. Print and share these materials to raise awareness.

Parent to Parent Support Network

”The National Congenital CMV Disease Registry assists nearly 600 families affected by CMV by providing a way to exchange information and by offering help and support to one another.”

Michigan Hands and Voices

Michigan Hands & Voices supports families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, regardless of communication mode or language. They believe all children can reach their full potential. The non-profit offers free events, trainings, and family support programs.